Sharon Smith

Taking more steps per day is associated with progressively lower risk of heart disease, but the benefits are seen at fewer than 10,000 steps per day, new research suggests. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986371?src=rss

The FDA failed to adhere to its own guidance and internal practices during the approval process for Biogen's Alzheimer's drug Aduhelm, which was 'rife with irregularities,' a congressional report showed on Thursday. Reuters Health Information source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986319?src=rss

Certain characteristics of the menstrual cycle across a woman's reproductive life span may constitute additional risk factors for cardiovascular disease, according to researchers. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986364?src=rss

Exacerbation history alone wasn't as effective as risk-prediction models for predicting exacerbation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986363?src=rss

Priorities for obesity management include recognizing the chronicity of the disease, combating the stigma associated with it, and starting treatment early, according to experts. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986362?src=rss

A new test can determine whether an inherited disease gene variant came from a patient's mother or father. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986360?src=rss

Doctors give opinions about whether their profession is being over- or under-aggressive with pain management, especially where prescription of opioids is concerned. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986356?src=rss

Higher handgrip strength and better mobility correlate with larger brain volumes in cognitively impaired adults with biomarker evidence of dementia. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986312?src=rss

In the study, the most common comorbidity in patients overall was atopy, including allergic rhinitis, asthma, and/or atopic dermatitis. MDedge News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986310?src=rss

Although the antibiotic linezolid carries a warning against its use by patients taking antidepressants, owing to risk for serotonin syndrome, new research suggests that that concern may be unnecessary. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986307?src=rss

Nursing students in Quebec protest a high failure rate this year, while US nursing test examiners have noticed that passing rates have dropped since the pandemic began. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986303?src=rss

A novel artificial intelligence-based tool predicted treatment failure with 83% accuracy after analyzing baseline treatment-planning MRIs. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986306?src=rss

Group music making -- such as in a choir, orchestra, or band -- is a good way to teach kids how to face adversity. Quick Take source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986298?src=rss

The fruit beat psyllium in treating functional constipation and matched it in treating constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986297?src=rss

Women with sexual problems express the desire for better information — and for their gynecologists to initiate the conversation. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986265?src=rss

About 80% of participants in a small study experienced minor adverse effects, and three stopped using the device for reasons of tolerability. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986261?src=rss

A gastroenterologist affiliated with the Cleveland Clinic has been arrested and charged with sexually assaulting three women during liver examinations. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986251?src=rss

Several children without identified risk factors have been hospitalized after contracting an invasive group A strep infection. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986245?src=rss

Patients with neuroendocrine tumors place a higher priority on quality-of-life factors than longer survival but often feel that their doctors are not aligned with their views. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986242?src=rss

Excimer laser sheath–assisted retrieval of embedded inferior vena cava filters was safe and effective in a multicenter study. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986209?src=rss

At a recent conference, oncologists outlined key challenges that need to be addressed to improve breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986208?src=rss

A program in Germany found that music promoted relaxation, improved mood, and strengthened social communication for patients with dementia. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986206?src=rss

A book published by the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation aims to help healthcare professionals create strategies to improve the care provided to young adults. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986203?src=rss

Women with type 1 diabetes and higher A1c levels around the time of conception had higher rates of preeclampsia during pregnancy. First Look source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986200?src=rss

Fast-growing medical scrubs company Figs just beat back a lawsuit from a competing medical apparel maker and now faces new investor lawsuits. But that's just background noise for fans of the scrubs. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986166?src=rss

My Christmas post is the 7th in an annual series listing my 10 favorite public health and health care reads of the past year. Not all of these were first published in 2022. Happy holidays and warm wishes for a healthy and rewarding New Year! ** 1.  Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty , by Patrick Radden Keefe 2.  The Good Nurse: A True Story of Medicine, Madness, and Murder , by Charles Graeber 3.  A Good Time to Be Born: How Science and Public Health Gave Children a Future , by Perri Klass 4.  The Price We Pay: What Broke American Health Care - and How to Fix It , by Marty Makary 5.  Searching for the Family Doctor: Primary Care on the Brink , by Timothy Hoff 6.  Sickening: How Big Pharma Broke American Health Care and How We Can Repair It , by John Abramson 7.  A Silent Fire: The Story of Inflammation, Diet, and Disease , by Shilpa Ravella 8.  The Song of the Cell: An Exploration of Medicine and the New Human , by Siddhartha Mukh

Eleven years ago, I wrote a post for my U.S. News Healthcare Headaches blog titled " Decoding doctor-speak: translations of common medical terms " that walked non-health professionals through explanations of common blood tests such as the complete blood count, basic metabolic panel, liver function tests, and low-density lipoprotein; and diagnoses such prediabetes and metabolic syndrome. It turned out to be an enduring hit; the cross-posted version on Common Sense Family Doctor has been viewed more than 11,000 times. But have I or physicians in general have gotten any better at keeping insider medical jargon out of our conversations with patients? A few weeks ago, JAMA Network Open published a cross-sectional study that assessed the general public's understanding of English phrases that have different meanings in a medical context (jargon) than they do in everyday life. Researchers surveyed 215 adult volunteers without a history of medical or nursing training who vis

At ASH 2022, experts discuss how the virus breaches the immune system and how to recognize vaccine-related blood clots. MDedge News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986093?src=rss

Two dermatologists at the University of California, San Francisco, conducted the experiments on men at the California Medical Facility, a prison hospital. Associated Press source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986096?src=rss

New data show that survival outcomes were best when surgery came 6–8 weeks after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The study was published as a preprint and has not yet been peer reviewed. First Look source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986091?src=rss

The new legislation will address gaps in care that cancer survivors experience and will establish standards to reduce costs and improve the quality of care. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986089?src=rss

Since the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, persons aged 18 years and younger have increased their time on digital screens by more than 80 minutes per day. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986086?src=rss

An antitrust win involving a nurse staffing firm's bid to suppress wages signals the federal justice system's interest in addressing tactics used to suppress competition, perhaps leading to future crackdowns. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986085?src=rss

The first-in-class bispecific antibody mosunetuzumab-axgb (Lunsumio) has been granted an accelerated approval for use in relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma. FDA Approvals source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986083?src=rss

A rise in the use of illegal opioids tainted with xylazine, an animal tranquilizer, is reaching drug users' children, according to a new case report from Delaware. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986054?src=rss

The potential adverse effects of caffeine in people with severe hypertension may outweigh the putative overall cardioprotective benefits of coffee intake, researchers propose. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986018?src=rss

In an Italian clinical trial of children with obesity, 6 months of butyrate supplementation was associated with a 10% average reduction in BMI and improved metabolic measures. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986039?src=rss

Observational data show that certain types of sulfonylureas for the treatment of type 2 diabetes are associated with more cardiovascular events compared to other types, such as glimepiride. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986030?src=rss

MammaPrint genomic testing suggests that only patients with low-risk, not ultra-low-risk or high-risk, breast cancer benefit from 5 years of extended endocrine therapy. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986024?src=rss

Poverty, not the pandemic, appeared to have the greatest impact on psychological well-being among patients with cancer. The study was published as a preprint and has not yet been peer reviewed. First Look source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986023?src=rss

You could one day wear hearing aids in your mouth thanks to dental implant technology. Quick Take source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986022?src=rss

The FDA has approved abaloparatide (Tymlos) for increasing bone density in men with osteoporosis at high risk for fracture. FDA Approvals source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986014?src=rss

Cases of late HIV might be averted if multi-prong strategies are implemented, including redefining the category for better monitoring. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/985966?src=rss

Although rates of problematic alcohol use appear to be increasing among physicians, data on true prevalence and salient risk factors are lacking, investigators note. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/985957?src=rss

The increase of almost 19,000 cases is the largest over a 2-week period since late July. MDedge News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/985954?src=rss

Government and medical officials have a familiar piece of advice for anyone taking public transportation this season. WebMD Health News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/985949?src=rss

Certain diets may work better for different people and require a personalized approach. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/985944?src=rss

The new risk score, which includes age, body mass index, and glycemia level, identifies people with type 2 diabetes who may benefit from intervention to preserve their muscle function. First Look source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/985891?src=rss

A detailed thread was tweeted about how the review article “completely misrepresented” one of the studies. Retraction Watch source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/985881?src=rss

When you work for a healthcare organization it can feel like your ideas aren't valued. Here is some advice for getting them to listen. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/985876?src=rss

Patients with type 2 diabetes who were treated with metformin had a 30% reduction in risk for total knee and total hip replacement, compared with patients who did not receive the drug. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/985875?src=rss

The findings support use of contrast-enhanced mammography for surveillance in breast cancer survivors. The study was published as a preprint and has not yet been peer reviewed. First Look source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/985870?src=rss

Adding radium-223 to estrogen therapy to target bone metastases may provide slight gain but comes with more adverse events. The study was published as a preprint and has not yet been peer reviewed. First Look source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/985868?src=rss

Anesthesiologist Raphaël Pitti, MD, relates his experiences in training Ukrainian physicians in emergency ultrasound. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/985811?src=rss

A clinician summarizes recent advances in our understanding of the mechanisms underlying biological aging. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/985809?src=rss

The vaccine RSVpreF had an almost 82% efficacy against severe RSV infection in infants from birth through the first 90 days of life, according to company data. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/985810?src=rss

The study was published as a preprint and has not yet been peer reviewed. First Look source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/985803?src=rss

Despite favorable developments in the use of antibiotics, more than 35,000 people die every year in Europe from antibiotic-resistant infections. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/985808?src=rss

While artificial intelligence (AI) improved adenoma detection rates, it did not improve the detection rates of all polyp types. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/985799?src=rss

Patients with stage IIA and IIB esophageal squamous cell carcinoma with lymphovascular invasion but negative lymph nodes do not benefit. The study was published as a preprint and has not yet been peer reviewed. First Look source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/985704?src=rss

Physical activity was associated with lower risk for type 2 diabetes, regardless of the intensity level, and even at amounts less than current guidelines recommend, based on 4 years of Fitbit data. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/985703?src=rss

Compared with systematic biopsy, MRI-directed targeted biopsy found fewer harmless tumors but did delay detection of some intermediate-risk tumors. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/985702?src=rss

Some doctors enjoy treating their fellow physicians as patients while others find it intimidating. Poll respondents reveal some of the pros and cons of treating their peers. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/985690?src=rss

The top 3 things you should know to start your day. 3 Things to Know Today source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/985605?src=rss

In an effort to manage the pandemic-related nursing shortage, more hospitals have formed in-house staffing teams. Kaiser Health News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/985639?src=rss

Ebola vaccines developed by Johnson & Johnson and Merck produced virus-fighting antibodies and appear to be safe in children and adults, according to data from two studies published on Wednesday. Reuters Health Information source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/985600?src=rss

The United States is prepared to help China deal with a surge of COVID-19 infections if Beijing requests assistance, the White House said on Wednesday. Reuters Health Information source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/985596?src=rss

COVID-19 infections were exploding in China well before the government's decision to abandon its strict 'zero-COVID' policy, a World Health Organization director said on Wednesday. Reuters Health Information source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/985563?src=rss

Colorado has joined Florida, New Hampshire, and New Mexico in seeking federal permission to import prescription drugs from Canada. Kaiser Health News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/985637?src=rss

The financial burden of hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common type of liver cancer, is high for Medicare beneficiaries in the first year after diagnosis. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/985616?src=rss

The top 3 things you should know to start your day. 3 Things to Know Today source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/985541?src=rss

While using mobile devices to soothe outbursts is fine sometimes, new research suggests that doing so too often could delay a child's ability to manage their emotions productively. WebMD Health News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/985588?src=rss

A camping trip goes from bad to bloody when a physician with a broken ankle suddenly must rescue his rescuer. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/985576?src=rss

Sleep apnea and insomnia in pregnancy may offer insight into risk assessment for infants. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/985570?src=rss

The finding comes from the first study of the risk of developing anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ACLC) after implant reconstruction following a cancer-directed mastectomy. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/985569?src=rss

Intermittent fasting could be a paradigm shift in type 2 diabetes management, allowing patients to stop taking glucose-lowering medication, a small randomized trial in patients in China suggests. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/985558?src=rss

The top 3 things you should know to start your day. 3 Things to Know Today source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/985462?src=rss

"The results of SERENA-2 support further development of camizestrant in ER-positive breast cancer." MDedge News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/985507?src=rss

PTSD, depression, and anxiety in mothers may persist 2-3 years after birth, a new study found, suggesting mothers should be screened for mental health for more than a year after birth. MDedge News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/985502?src=rss

A new study suggests that recently trained family physicians practice similarly to their predecessors and are not to blame for medical access challenges in Canada. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/985488?src=rss

A central repository of data on alloantibodies could spare patients who require transfusions from potentially fatal complications such as delayed hemolytic transfusion reactions. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/985487?src=rss

It becomes the second KRAS-targeted therapy for use in patients with non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors have this mutation. FDA Approvals source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/985480?src=rss

The top 3 things you should know to start your day. 3 Things to Know Today source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/985359?src=rss

Interrupting endocrine therapy may allow three quarters of women with hormone receptor positive breast cancer to achieve pregnancy, while having no impact on their short-term outcomes, new data suggest. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/985423?src=rss

Key challenges to broader participation in the program include confidentiality, the potential threat of punishment, and lack of knowledge about the program. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/985416?src=rss

The latest findings from the INTERSTROKE study show high stress at work and home significantly increases stroke risk. But feeling in control of work and home life cut that risk Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/985410?src=rss

Despite substantial data-reporting requirements for physicians, the Medicare payment incentive program's measures don't say much about a doctor's quality, a new JAMA study finds. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/985396?src=rss

Eagerly awaited results show for the first time, from a prospective trial, that women with multiple breast cancer foci can safely undergo breast-conserving therapy, with low local recurrence rates. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/985394?src=rss

The top 3 things you should know to start your day. 3 Things to Know Today source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/985285?src=rss

The UKALL2011 study also showed that a shorter course of dexamethasone did not reduce toxicities, and that monthly pulses of vincristine/dexamethasone don't reduce bone marrow relapse. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/985385?src=rss

Investigators said they were astonished by the results they saw when patients with refractory acute myeloid leukemia went straight to an allogeneic stem cell transplant. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/985384?src=rss

Non-White patients with pulmonary embolism (PE) were less likely to get advanced therapies, and Hispanics and Asians/Pacific Islanders, had higher death rates than Whites, new data show. MDedge News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/985381?src=rss

Non-European ancestry is a risk factor for receiving the 'most complex' bone marrow transplantations, and this factor is related to socioeconomic status, new results suggest. MDedge News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/985380?src=rss

Although hematopoietic stem cell transplants (HSCT) offer a cure for acute myeloid leukemia, in some countries only 5% of patients are offered this option. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/985333?src=rss

New research supports efforts to promote outpatient behavioral health treatment as part of a population health strategy to reduce overall medical spending. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/985321?src=rss

The risk for grade 3 and 4 immune-related adverse events, in particular, was only higher among women with obesity receiving nivolumab monotherapy. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/985325?src=rss

Fifteen states haven't moved to extend Medicaid coverage for new moms beyond the minimum of 60 days after birth. Kaiser Health News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/985315?src=rss

The burden of early onset type 2 diabetes has increased among youth worldwide, mirroring findings already seen in the US and other high-income nations. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/985314?src=rss

States are tackling sexual misconduct after criticism of medical board leniency. Under a new California law, doctors won't get a second chance at licensure if they sexually exploit patients. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/985306?src=rss

People with type 2 diabetes who tried agents from three different classes of glucose-lowering drugs usually found one they liked most. It was also often their safest and most effective option. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/985313?src=rss

The top 3 things you should know to start your day. 3 Things to Know Today source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/985230?src=rss

Since the peak of the outbreak in July, mpox cases in the United States have fallen 95%. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/985272?src=rss

Some long COVID researchers have suspected smaller, less obvious blood clots may be causing many of the puzzling symptoms reported by patients who have lasting effects of the virus. WebMD Health News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/985271?src=rss

Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners are in high demand to meet the growing needs of those seeking mental health services at a time when psychiatrists aren’t as available or affordable. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/985259?src=rss

Most practitioners have heard of mindfulness, which is derived from Buddhist practice. This study looks at the potential benefits of observing five key Buddhist precepts in protecting against depression. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/985256?src=rss

Nearly 5.5 million Americans so far have signed up for health insurance for next year through the Affordable Care Act's marketplace, an 18% increase over the same period last year, according to data released by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on Wednesday. Reuters Health Information source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/985193?src=rss

The top 3 things you should know to start your day. 3 Things to Know Today source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/985151?src=rss

New research suggests you can focus on lowering the load, and cheat on the lifting part, without sacrificing results. WebMD Health News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/985188?src=rss

French Dijon mustard producers hope to soon be restocking store shelves after shifting their seed growing to France’s Burgundy region following an ongoing shortage due to problems with pests, drought, and supply chain issues. Quick Take source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/985180?src=rss

Seroprevalence surveys found that fewer than half of people older than 60 years had been exposed to the virus. The researchers suggest that this age group be prioritized for vaccination. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/985170?src=rss

More than two fifths of patients discharged with a proton pump inhibitor prescription may have been given it inappropriately, say Israeli researchers who call for action to improve the problem. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/985171?src=rss

Pfizer and Clear Creek Bio on Tuesday announced a collaboration to identify a potential drug candidate and develop a new class of oral treatment against COVID-19, as Pfizer seeks to expand its anti-infective pipeline. Reuters Health Information source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/985069?src=rss

The United States on Tuesday urged delaying a decision on whether to waive patent protection for COVID-19 treatments and tests, as demanded by many developing countries, a move branded 'pathetic' by a leading campaign group. Reuters Health Information source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/985066?src=rss

The prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism among adults with hypertension was 24%, compared with 17% among normotensive adults in a random sample of 2818 adults living in a single Chinese province. First Look source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/985169?src=rss

The top 3 things you should know to start your day. 3 Things to Know Today source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/985029?src=rss

Some insurers and employers are tapping into assistance programs meant for individual patients. The concern: Some costly drugs could be harder for patients to access. Kaiser Health News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/985102?src=rss

Researchers urge increased awareness of heart failure due to illicit use of methamphetamine, which may be more severe than non-MethHF. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/985080?src=rss

Patients with a history of depression were four times more likely to be depressed during the COVID-19 pandemic than those without. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/985077?src=rss